Learning and earning a nursing degree online is fast becoming popular among adult learners. Here are 3 questions that people commonly ask and their corresponding answers.
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Is an online nursing degree recognized?
Online learning in nursing meets the rigorous standards of quality established by higher education accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The increased awareness of the quality of online nursing degree programs is also driving greater acceptance by both adult learners and employers.
Online degree programs greatly appeal to adult learners for a variety of reasons. One reason is that Fortune 500 corporations are establishing alliances with online universities as a way to further educate their employees. These alliances provide employees with a reduced tuition rate, which allows them to maximize their company’s tuition assistance program.
How are classes conducted?
It depends. Some RN to BSN programs are fully online, since they take into consideration prior clinical experience. Other schools offer “blended” programs, where you can have complete class modules over the Internet and meet once a week or sign up for clinicals at partner institution. Make sure to thoroughly check the program before enrolling as curricula differ from school to school.
Do I have what it takes to be a successful online student?
If you are a working professional in nursing, hungry to pursue new career possibilities, an online degree is definitely worth considering. Only you can determine if it is right for you. Successful online learners…
1. Show self-motivation.
Successful online students understand that the freedom and flexibility provided by online nursing programs comes with individual responsibility, because most of the online learning happens on your schedule. Learning online requires a student to be committed to their educational goals.
2. Make a time commitment.
One of the myths about online education is that it is easier than traditional classroom programs. That is not the case. Online programs offer an exact academic experience, it just happens to be more flexible and accommodating to working adult learners.
3. Have a support system.
Successful online nursing students do a wonderful job of eliciting the support of work colleagues, family, and friends. Because of the time commitment involved in pursuing a nursing degree through online learning, it helps to surround yourself with people who respect what you are trying to do.